Experience the Magic: Start your Festive Season with a Weekend of Christmas Events in Banff

Gather 'round, festive enthusiasts! Banff and Lake Louise are unwrapping a gift for your senses with the ultimate festive season.

It's not just one event; it's a jubilant extravaganza, a symphony of lights, a storybook setting, and festive to its core, it will reenergize your Christmas spirit.

Over your trip, immerse yourself in yule-tide jubilation – and get ready for the festive season in style.

Santa Claus Celebration of Lights:

Date: November 16 and 17, 2024

Where: Downtown Banff Townsite

Over these two days, Banff Ave will transform into a twinkling paradise, a scene straight out of a Christmas fairy tale.

Behold the Santa Clause Celebration of Lights, an epicentre of joy where local artists serenade the town, whimsical street performers paint smiles on faces, and "Santa's Workshop" echoes with the laughter of little ones.

Banff Ave will be adorned with Christmas lights, casting a magical glow that will warm your heart and light up the night.

Saturday Nov 16 Events - 12 pm - 7 pm

• Musicians and performers on the main stage on Banff Ave
• Kids Craft Cabin
• Santa's sunset arrival to the main stage with his dancing elves!

Sunday Nov 17 Events - 9 am - 2 pm

• Storytime with Santa (tickets will be available at 10 am on November 4, 2024)
• Festive Pooch Parade - Bring your festively dressed pooch and parade down Bear Street all the way to Central Park!

In Search of Christmas Spirit:

Running on select dates from Nov 15 - Dec 31, 2024, the Cascade of Time Garden invites you on a festive journey. As darkness falls, the garden comes alive with the spirit of Christmas.

It's more than a walk amongst lights and illuminated sculptures. It’s a story, a rendezvous with the essence of the season.

Walk amongst larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, listen for the carefully crafted sounds, and wander your way through a real-life storybook in a fairytale setting that brings out the joy of Christmas.

This enchanting experience, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., is your ticket to a world of Christmas wonder.

Dates: Select dates from Nov 15 - Dec 31, 2024

Location: Cascade of Time Garden

Tickets: Free. Released on November 4 at 10 am. Keep an eye on the In Search of Christmas Spirit page.

Hot Chocolate Trail:

Embark on a flavourful adventure through the snowy streets of Banff with the Hot Chocolate Trail, running from November 15 to December 31, 2024.

Follow the trail to discover unique, holiday-themed hot chocolates throughout the Banff townsite and beyond. It’s a journey that will tantalize your taste buds. It's not just a trail; it's a voyage of flavours, a tale told in cocoa and cream.

Banff Christmas Market:

The Banff Christmas Market at the historic Banff Train Station is where tradition meets mountain magic. From November 14-17, 22-24, 29-Dec 1 and 6-8, 2024, starting at 10 a.m., the market comes alive with the spirit of the season.

It's not just a market; it's a treasure trove of unique gifts inspired by the Canadian Rockies.

Local vendors and artists bring their very best so you can find the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Inspired by the classic European Christmas markets but brought with a mountain flare, this is the ideal place to start your Christmas shopping before heading into the Banff townsite.

Amidst the festive tunes and the aroma of holiday treats, find that perfect something for your loved ones or a cherished keepsake for yourself.

Dates: November 15-17, 22-24, 29-Dec 1 and 6-8, 2024

Time: Starts at 10 a.m.

Location: Banff Train Station

This Christmas, Banff isn't just a destination; it's an experience. It's a story written in the twinkle of Christmas lights and the aroma of hot cocoa.

So, pack your holiday spirit, bring your loved ones, and let this weekend be your official kickoff to the festive season as you come to celebrate Christmas in Banff.

Learn about all the holiday-themed events happening in Banff and Lake Louise.